Boosting green infrastructure in historic towns and cities

The international green infrastructure project PERFECT has published a blog highlighting findings from a recent study tour in Bratislava. The group tracks changes across the city’s medieval ‘green belt’, considering what is needed to integrate green infrastructure into a historic urban setting. For more details, click here.

National Infrastructure Assessment published

The National Infrastructure Commission has called on government to provide a long-term strategy for flood protection which integrates green infrastructure with traditional defence mechanisms. In its National Infrastructure Assessment, released earlier this month, the commission warned of future droughts, recommending that government introduce a nationwide, catchment-based plan which combines green and grey infrastructure. For more details, click here.

Scotland’s Environment Strategy consultation launched

Scottish Government’s discussion paper on an Environment Strategy for Scotland is now live. It takes forward the commitment in the 2017/18 Programme for Government to develop a strategic approach on environmental policy to protect and enhance our environment, safeguard natural capital and continue Scotland’s leading role in addressing environmental challenges. It notes that “Improving air quality and access to greenspace is a particular priority in more deprived urban areas, helping to tackle inequalities and improve the health, wellbeing and confidence of people and communities”. The Strategy sets out a draft vision of “one planet prosperity” and seeks views on six draft outcomes to achieve that vision. The consultation closes on 24 August 2018 and can be viewed here.

Can heat-related deaths be prevented using GI?

The Environmental Audit Committee has said that heat-related deaths may treble by 2050 unless the government takes action, calling for urban green infrastructure targets to help address the problem in cities. For more details, click here.

Scottish Government drafts ambitious climate change bill

Action to mitigate climate change is a key component of the Scottish Government’s aim to create a growing, sustainable and inclusive economy. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 set world-leading greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, including a target to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050.

The Scottish Government intends to introduce a new Climate Change Bill with even more ambitious targets. Proposals include setting targets based on actual emissions, increasing the 2050 target to 90% emissions reduction, and making provisions for a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target to be set when the evidence becomes available.